Nokea
The client diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) is prescribed medications that require intravenous access. The HCP has ordered a primary intravenous line at a keep-vein-open (KVO) rate at 25 mL/hr. The drop factor is 10 gtts/mL. At what rate should the nurse set the IV tubing?
Correct Answer: 4 gtts/min
Rationale: Calculate: (25 mL/hr ÷ 60 min) × 10 gtts/mL = 4.17 gtts/min, rounded to 4 gtts/min.
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The nurse is assisting the client who sustained a C5 SCI to cough using the quad coughing technique. The nurse correctly demonstrates quad coughing with which actions? Select all that apply.
- A. Places a suction catheter in the client’s oral cavity to stimulate the cough reflex
- B. Puts hands on the upper abdomen, has client inhale, pushes upward during a cough
- C. Cups the hands and percusses the client’s anterior, lateral, and posterior lung fields
- D. Hyperoxygenates the client by using a resuscitation bag to deliver 100% oxygen
- E. Elevates the head of the bed to a high Fowler’s position if the client is sitting in bed
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: Stimulating a cough with a suction catheter is not associated with the quad cough technique, and it may cause regurgitation. The nurse’s hand placement and pushing upward during a cough help to overcome the impaired diaphragmatic function that occurs with a C5 SCI. Cupping the hands and percussing the lung fields is a technique to loosen secretions but is not the quad coughing technique. Hyperoxygenating the client is a measure to prevent hypoxia associated with suctioning but is not included in the quad coughing technique. Elevating the head of the bed will promote lung expansion, thus enabling a stronger cough.
The charge nurse is making client assignments for a neuro-medical floor. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse?
- A. The elderly client who is experiencing a stroke in evolution.
- B. The client diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack 48 hours ago.
- C. The client diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome who complains of leg pain.
- D. The client with Alzheimer's disease who is wandering in the halls.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A stroke in evolution (A) is an acute, progressing condition requiring experienced monitoring. TIA (B) is stable, Guillain-Barré pain (C) is manageable, and wandering (D) needs supervision but is less acute.
The client has undergone a craniotomy for a brain tumor. Which data indicate a complication of this surgery?
- A. The client complains of a headache at '3' to '4' on a 1-to-10 scale.
- B. The client has an intake of 1,000 mL and an output of 3,500 mL.
- C. The client complains of a raspy, sore throat.
- D. The client experiences dizziness when trying to get up too quickly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Significant output (3,500 mL) compared to intake (1,000 mL, B) suggests diabetes insipidus, a complication of craniotomy due to pituitary dysfunction. Mild headache (A), sore throat (C), and orthostatic dizziness (D) are less concerning.
The client, who has a deteriorating status after having a stroke, has a rectal temperature of 102.3°F (39.1°C). Which should be the nurse’s rationale for initiating interventions to bring the temperature to a normal level?
- A. A normal temperature will strengthen the client’s immune system.
- B. A hypothermic state may increase the client’s chance of survival.
- C. A normal temperature will decrease the Glasgow Coma Scale score.
- D. Hyperthermia increases the likelihood of a larger area of brain infarct.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A normal temperature does not strengthen the immune system. Although hypothermia may increase the client’s chance for survival, the question is asking for the rationale for bringing the temperature to a normal level. Hyperthermia, not a normal temperature, is associated with lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale. The nurse should initiate temperature reduction measures because a temperature elevation in the client poststroke can cause an increase in the infarct size. This may be due to the increased oxygen demand with hyperthermia and peripheral vasodilation that decreases cerebral perfusion.
The home health nurse evaluates the foot care of the dark-skinned African client who has peripheral neuropathy. Which client actions in providing foot care are appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A. Uses a mirror and visually inspects the feet on a daily basis
- B. Lotions the feet and legs daily, avoiding between the toes
- C. Goes barefoot when indoors to help dry and air out the feet
- D. Wears warm socks and boots when outside in cold weather
- E. Trims toenails weekly so they have a rounded contour
- F. Inspects the feet for redness and other signs of inflammation
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Using a mirror allows for visual inspection of the bottom of the feet and between the toes for areas of skin breakdown. Keeping the skin adequately lubricated with lotion prevents drying and cracking. Lotion should not be applied between the toes because it increases moisture and the risk for infection. Clients should avoid going barefoot because this increases the risk for foot injury. Wearing appropriate clothing protects the skin from injury because sensation is diminished with peripheral neuropathy. Toenails should be trimmed straight across to avoid damaging the tissue, which is slow to heal in the presence of peripheral neuropathy. In a dark-skinned client, areas of inflammation may appear purplish-blue or violet rather than appearing reddened (erythematous).